Just ordered a Asus G73 and need some software advice.

I recently placed an order on an Asus G73 and was wondering what software 'necessities' or even wants should I purchase to add to my experience. This is my first laptop and I have not purchased a computer in 5 years. So I am out of the loop. Is there any programs I should buy, besides the obvious ones like MS Office 2010. What Virus Scan do you guys recommend. Anything I can obtain free that does the job?

Looking at all types from productivity( I'm a teacher) to just 'entertaining' ones.

Thanks in advance, excuse the individual thread just couldn't find much info on 'must have' programs for Windows 7, and rather get your guys expertise on some productive and fun programs.

EDIT: Also is my switch from Windows XP to Windows 7 going to be drastic? Is the improvement significant?

-Frankie

 

Security: Microsoft Security Essentials (Free and does an amazing job)

Browser: Firefox (Fast and safe)

Other Recommendations:
Winrar - Archive manager. You don't have to pay for it, it has a free trial version but it works fully for life.
CCleaner - Free cleanup tool. When you use the registry cleaner on it, delete each item individually.

I thought the switch was better. I love Windows 7 and would stick with it over XP any day.

 

1. ALZip for archives
2. Chrome for browsing
3. All the plugins, like Java, Quicktime, Flash, Shockwave, Silverlight
4. Install all updates in W7
5. GOM Player for videos
6. K-Lite codec pack to play all videos
7. Adobe Reader for PDFs
8. Microsoft Security Essentials for anti-virus

There are a lot of changes from XP -> 7. Take your time and figure them out, you can't really break something unless you go into system files. IMO, things are more streamlined and uniform in W7, like what used to be dialog boxes are now windows and everything has a search box so it's more convenient. Also, the taskbar in Windows 7 might take a bit to figure out, but trust me, once you get it you can never go back!